At a Glance
- City Council members spotlighted major projects across Austin in 2025
- Focus on homelessness, affordable housing, and infrastructure expansion
- A tax rate election proposal (Prop Q) failed, prompting a new budget round
- Why it matters: These decisions shape Austin’s growth, safety, and affordability for residents
In a year of ambitious plans and tough decisions, Austin’s City Council highlighted key initiatives that will shape the city’s future. From expanding I-35 and a new convention center to tackling homelessness and building affordable homes, council members shared their proudest moments and the challenges that remain.
Infrastructure & Housing Boom
Council members across districts emphasized large-scale infrastructure projects, including the I-35 expansion and the new Austin Convention Center. They also pushed forward affordable-housing milestones, with over 100 new units breaking ground in some districts. These efforts aim to keep Austin competitive while addressing rising housing costs.
- I-35 expansion and “cap & stitch” funding
- New Austin Convention Center construction
- Over 100 affordable homes in District 2 and beyond
- Colony Park Pool opening and Givens Pool remodel
Homelessness & Public Safety
A major focus this year was the city’s homelessness strategy, which saw new funding and policy actions. The council also strengthened violence prevention and public safety, securing $200,000 for the Austin-Travis County Family Justice Center and ending the city’s contract with an automatic license-plate reader.
Council Member José Velásquez stated:
> “This year, we strengthened our Office of Violence Prevention through partnerships with the County and community groups to build a comprehensive public health and safety plan (Resolution No. 20250605-083), to securing $200,000 in funding to aid the creation of the Austin-Travis County Family Justice Center.”
Council Member Mike Siegel noted:
> “1. Passing a budget that fully funds 24/7 emergency mental health support, that enhances EMS response and that supports critical programs like food pantries for Title I schools.”
Council Member Zo Qadri said:
> “Getting that across the finish line I think was huge for the city, huge for the district, huge for the city of Austin,”
- Prop Q tax-rate election failed
- $200,000 funding for Family Justice Center
- Ended contract with Automatic License Plate Readers
Community-Focused Investments
Council members highlighted district-specific improvements, from new dog parks to school-zone safety and emergency communications. They also noted the launch of free food pantries at all Austin Community College campuses and the opening of a new Circle C Dog Park.
| District | Key Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colony Park Pool, Givens Pool remodel | Free community access |
| 2 | Affordable-home ground-breaks | 100+ units |
| 3 | I-35 cap & stitch | Healing historic divide |
| 4 | Single-stair housing ordinance | More affordable units |
| 5 | Housing price decline | Fewer people entering homelessness |
| 6 | Emergency communications policy | Strengthened public safety |
| 7 | Mental-health budget, drainage | 24/7 support, infrastructure |
| 8 | School-zone safety, dog park | Community safety |
| 9 | Homelessness decline | 5-year low |
Key Takeaways
- Austin’s council focused on infrastructure, affordable housing, and homelessness, shaping the city’s trajectory.
- The failed Prop Q vote highlights fiscal challenges ahead.
- District-level projects demonstrate targeted community benefits.
As Austin moves into a new budget cycle, the council’s 2025 priorities underscore the city’s commitment to growth, safety, and inclusivity-though the failed Prop Q reminds voters that fiscal decisions remain a critical hurdle.
